Danse Macabre at Efteling

Dance Macabre is a chilling yet mesmerizing ride located at Efteling, the Netherland’s beloved fairytale theme park. This attraction offers a blend of storytelling, music, and motion-based thrills to create a one-of-a-kind gothic experience.

Step into a world where the line between life and death blurs, and the spirits of the past invite you to join their eternal waltz.

A Brief History of Danse Macabre

Dance Macabre opened on October 31st, 2024, bringing a new era of dark rides to Efteling. It replaced the iconic Spookslot, a beloved haunted walkthrough that delighted guests for decades.

The medieval theme of the danse macabre, an artistic allegory reminding us of the universality of death, inspired the concept of Dance Macabre. The creative team at Efteling, led by designers and storytellers, collaborated with Intamin to create this first-of-its-kind attraction.

The type of ride has been dubbed the Dynamic Motion Stage. It features one large disc that can go up and down then tilt side to side. On the disc are 6 sets of benches. Each of these can swivel as the main disc moves around.

This ride was designed to allow guests to dance along with the haunting music that gives a nod towards Spookslot.

The Haunted Queue – Accessible to All

The main standby queue of Dance Macabre was created to be accessible by all guests. This includes those in both manual and electrical wheel chairs.

The spooky themed queue starts off in the abbey courtyard. Then the doors open to the graveyard where a certain amount of guests are let through. Here guests encounter the first “pre-show” where they hear the story about the attraction. They can walk around and look at the graves and there’s a little jump scare in the form of a rattling door.

Once the story is over the gate into the next section will open. This allows everyone in the grave yard to move towards the abbey.

This path overlooks a bit of the forest area and goes up a ramp to the attraction building. Once the riders get to the building, it splits so that those that need to see the accessible movie or have a wheel chair can split off.

Once riders reach the door, they are sent to a catacomb, to wait to enter the main part of the attraction, by a park employee.

There is also a single rider queue that skips the queue experience.

Family Friendly or a Thrill Ride?

Themepark Freak is classifying Danse Macabre as a thrill ride since there seem to be a few good spins. However, the ride is smooth and most of the spinning is “gentle”.

Also, beware that this might not be “friendly” for young children as there are scary elements to the attraction.

Practical Ride Information for the Spook Attraction

Below, you will be able to find all of the practical Danse Macabre information.

Where is Danse Macabre Located?

Danse Macabre is located in the Anderrijk area of the park, right across from Piraña and on the way to Baron 1898.

This area consists of the Abbey, which houses the attraction as well as the following shops:

In den Swarte Kat which has sandwiches, pretzels, salads, wraps and some sweet treats, coffee and bottled drinks.
Virginie en Otto Charlatan park show (dutch only)
D'n Dorstlesser - 't Koetshuys which has two Coca-Cola Freestyle drink machines.
't Koetshuys for cotton candy and popcorn treats.
Dr. Charlatns Kwalycke Zaken which is the Danse Macabre souvenir shop.

Are There Restraints on the Ride?

Yes, there is an incredibly sturdy lap restraint that goes over your thighs and presses into the stomach.

How Many Can Ride at Once?

The ride can support up to 108 riders if it is running at full capacity.

Are There Height Restrictions?

There is a height restriction for Dance Macabre. Riders must be a minimum of 120cm (3 feet 11 inches) to ride.

How Long Does the Ride Last?

From the time you sit and put the lap bar down to the time they open is roughly 3.5 minutes.

Can Guests Bring Bags on Board?

Yes, guests can bring their bags. Large bags go in between your feet and smaller items can be put in a cargo net on the ack of the bench in front of your seat.

Is There a Single Rider Line?

Yes, this attraction has a single rider line. Beware that it skips the themed queue elements and pre-story of the ride.

Is There Baby Switch for Dance Macabre?

Yes, the attraction does utilize baby switch.

Accessibility and Disability Information for Danse Macabre

If you are wondering about how accessible Danse Macabre is, find answers to your questions right here!

Are There Stairs in the Queue?

No. The Efteling created the queue to be completely accessible by anyone. Once you reach the abbey entrance, there is a split between the regular standby and accessible entrance.

Is the Attraction Wheelchair Friendly?

No, this attraction is not accessible to those who can not walk at least 13 meters (42 feet) and sit themselves into the ride seat.

If a guest can not freely walk to the attraction seat, they must visit the "alternative" experience.

Alternative Experience

The alternative Danse Macabre experience is a special room where they can watch a movie of the attraction. This starts when the main ride starts so "everyone can share their experiences together" afterwards.

Are There Other Mobility Challenges?

The rows are fairly narrow and feel awkward with the position of the lap bars.

Is the Ride Service Dog Friendly?

No, the ride is not service animal friendly. Someone from the party must wait with the dog while the owner is on the ride.

What Sensory Stimulations Can Be Expected?

Guests can expect the following sensory stimulations on Danse Macabre?

almost complete darkness
scents
loud noises
loud music
flashing light
spinning
scary elements such as ghosts and skeletons

Is This Ride Size Friendly?

The attraction has gained some attention from those with larger bodies (large thighs or bellies) as not being size friendly. There unfortunately is no test seats outside the attraction at this time.

Evacuation from Danse Macabre

At this moment, it’s unknown how guests will evacuate from this particular attraction. Check back for updated information in the near future!